| abstract |
A mucolytic agent represented by the formula (Ia-Id) is provided. Also provided are various methods of treatment utilizing the mucolytic properties of the compounds represented by formulas Ia-Id. One object of the present invention is a method of increasing liquefaction of mucus in a patient having mucus with increased mucus or viscoelastic, cohesive or adherent properties. The method includes contacting the mucus of a patient having an abnormal or excessive mucus with a composition comprising a dithiol group-containing mucolytic compound to reduce mucus viscoelasticity through reduction of the mucin disulfide bond. Wherein the structural modifiers R1, R2, R5 and R6 are as defined herein. |